Still Walking 2009

The Yokoyama family converges annually to pay tribute to their beloved eldest son, Junpei, who lost his life 12 years ago while selflessly saving a young boy. The somber occasion brings together Kyohei (a retired doctor still reeling from the loss), Toshiko, and their surviving children: Ryota, whose recent marriage to Yukari (a widow with a young son named Atsushi) has introduced new dynamics; Chinami, her husband, and their family. This reunion is marked by lingering tension, particularly for Ryota, who harbors resentment towards his parents’ idealized memories of Junpei and the perceived favoritism that still lingers 12 years on.

Ryota’s dissatisfaction stems from his father’s unyielding expectations, which have always been centered around becoming a doctor and taking over the family business – much like Junpei. Meanwhile, Chinami advocates for her family to move in with their aging parents, eager to assume a caregiving role. As the day unfolds, the family’s discussions turn personal, with career paths and life choices serving as a backdrop for their collective struggles.

Initially, Kyohei and Toshiko exhibit a palpable coolness towards Yukari, viewing her as an ill omen due to Ryota’s recent marriage. However, their icy demeanor eventually thaws in the face of Yukari’s kindness and gentle push to bond with them. In private, Ryota confides in Yukari about his difficulties finding meaningful employment in the field of art restoration.

As the evening wears on, the family is visited by Yoshio, the young boy whose life Junpei saved 12 years prior. This reunion is fraught with tension, as many family members express disappointment and anger towards Yoshio’s current state: a 25-year-old who has become complacent, indulgent, and seemingly without purpose. Only Ryota, who empathizes with feeling overshadowed by Junpei’s legend, comes to Yoshio’s defense, imploring Toshiko to cease inviting him and letting go of her guilt over Junpei’s passing. However, Toshiko refuses to budge, insisting that reminding themselves of the tragedy once a year is the least Yoshio can do in reparation for taking Junpei’s life.

As Chinami and her family bid farewell, the household of the Yokoyamas gathers for an evening meal. The atmosphere is charged with tension as Yukari probes into the marital state of Toshiko and Kyohei (Kiyohiko Shibukawa), revealing years of unspoken resentment and disillusionment. Despite this, the couple remains steadfast in their commitment to one another. In a poignant moment of vulnerability, Toshiko (Shiori Kutsuna) shares with Yukari and the family the tender love song “Blue Light Yokohama” by Ayumi Ishida, which holds special significance for the couple. The origins of this sweet serenade are shrouded in mystery, as it was first heard by Toshiko on a fateful night when Kyohei unknowingly sang it to another woman.

As the evening wears on, an unexpected visitor arrives at the Yokoyama residence - a butterfly that flutters into the home and settles on Junpei’s (Atsushi) photograph. This ethereal encounter sparks Toshiko’s imagination, and she becomes convinced that Junpei has returned to pay his respects. Although Ryota (Shunji Fujii) remains skeptical, he captures the butterfly and releases it back into the world outside.

In a poignant display of maternal concern, Toshiko advises Ryota to start a family with Yukari as soon as possible, arguing that this would make their potential divorce more difficult to achieve. As night falls, an urgent call interrupts the tranquility of the evening - their neighbor is experiencing chest pains and requires medical attention. Kyohei springs into action, guiding her through the crisis and apologizing for being unable to do more before watching her be whisked away to the very hospital that had previously put his family clinic out of business.

As Ryota (Shunji Fujii), Yukari, and Atsushi prepare to depart the following morning, they privately decide to renege on their New Year’s meeting with Kyohei and Toshiko. As they drive away, Ryota reflects in a voiceover that fate would soon conspire against the Yokoyamas, claiming Kyohei’s life just a few years later, followed by Toshiko’s passing not long after. Despite this, Chinami never did move into their home, nor did Ryota fulfill his earlier promises to them.

The film concludes with Ryota’s family - now including a young daughter - paying respects at the Yokoyama family gravesites. Ryota continues to honor the traditions and rituals he learned from his mother, perpetuating a sense of continuity and connection with his ancestors.